REAL Strategies

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Teaching Zack to Think: Developing Critical Thinking Skills

Too many students are not sure how to tell fact from fiction on the Internet. The Internet can provide any version of the truth to support almost any belief. We can teach students how to read the “grammar” of the Internet and to apply strategies to validate information on a website. This popular session provides step-by-step teaching tips that help students and teachers think critically about Internet information and improve their online search strategies.


Read full article:
http://novemberlearning.com/resources/archive-of-articles/teaching-zack-to-think/

Website Validation (REAL)

Evaluate websites with variations and extensions of skills you use to evaluate print materials.


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Read the URL:

  • What is the base URL (domain and extension)?
  • Do you recognize the domain name?
  • What is the extension in the domain name?
  • What does this extension mean? Country Codes - http://goes.gsfc.nasa.gov/text/web_country_codes.html
  • What can you tell about the site by simply reading the domain name (without even visiting the site?)
  • Is the site sponsored/hosted by a trusted organization?
  • Is it a personal page?*
  • Is it published using a free web hosting service?*

Examine the Content:

  • Does the site appear useful for your purpose?
  • Does the information appear accurate and complete?
  • How does it compare to other resources on the same topic?
  • Are sources cited? Can you verify key information?
  • What is the purpose of the site (inform, persuade, entertain?)
  • When was the site last updated?*
  • How has the site changed over time?
    Wayback Machine - http://www.archive.org
  • Are there ads on the page? Does that affect the credibility?

Ask about the Author:

  • Who wrote the site? Do they provide credentials?
  • Look for "About" or Google the author/owner. What kind of results do you get?
  • Is there a way to contact the author?
  • Who owns the site? Check Easy Whois - http://www.easywhois.com/
  • Does the author seem knowledgeable? Is s/he an expert in the field?

Look at the Links:
*The implications/importance of these criteria will vary depending on the topic and purpose.
For additional activities & resources, please visit:https://balancedtech.wikispaces.com/Information+Literacy